The Gorgeous Zoe and Tom

At Hornington, you don’t just celebrate your wedding day, you celebrate the whole weekend! Zoe and Tom, our gorgeous Bride and Groom got it right a few weeks ago by planning a party in their beautiful PapaKata tent in the courtyard for the Friday evening. Homegrown Hospitality proved the grub, and all of Zoe and Tom’s guests had a fantastic night, which put them in the party mood for the big day!

Tom and Zoe met at mutual friend, Alison’s, 21st birthday party, to which Tom arrived already very hungover from the night before and more than a little bit miserable. As soon as he saw Zoe, he suddenly became very happy! Little did he know, Alison had actually been trying to set the pair up for some time. It was love at first sight, and fair to say the couple have a lot to thank Alison for!

Zoe and Tom said their vows in the Gallery and Zoe’s brother Luke read a wonderful poem during the ceremony-

‘Yes, she’ll marry you, and here’s the reason why-

So she can push you out of bed when the baby starts to cry.

And if she hears a knocking and it’s creepy and it’s late,

She’ll hand you the torch and you will investigate.

Yes, she’ll marry you, you may not apprehend it,

But when the tumble-drier goes, it’s you that has to mend it.

You have to face the neighbour, should the Shihtzus attack him,

And if a drunkard fondles her, it’s you that has to whack him!

Yes, She’ll marry you, you’re masculine and lean

Your house is like a pigsty, you can both help to keep it clean.

That sexy little dinner, that you serve by candlelight

And as she loves the Salmon, you can serve it every night.

It’s you who has to work the drill, and put up the curtain track,

And when she gets PMT, it’s you who’ll get the flack!

So, I do see great advantages, but none of them for you,

And so before you see the light, for God sakes say ‘I Do’!

The Newly weds made their way to the tent in the courtyard for reception drinks. Zoe wore a stunning lace fitted dress with a beaded waist band and beautiful capped sleeves. Her gorgeous bouquet, and all the flowers for the wedding were provided by Dutch Nurseries, where her sister and Maid of Honour Kelly works.

A surprise was waiting for them, as Tom’s Sister Katie who runs Katie Sweep Chimney Services was dressed in the traditional chimney sweep outfit ready to wish them ‘Good Luck’! It is said that 200 years ago a chimney sweep bravely stepped out and stopped the King’s horse and coach as it bolted. King George II was so grateful to the sweep for saving his life that he announced by Royal Decree that all sweeps were lucky! Today, seeing a chimney sweep on your wedding day is still a lucky omen and it was just perfect that Zoe and Tom could share this special moment with Tom’s sister Katie!

Zoe absolutely loves Disney and there were lovely nods to Disney through the day. Their seating plan was based around Disney classics such as Cinderella, Aladdin and The Little Mermaid, with the top table being named ‘Alice in Wonderland’. The fantastic Kendal String Quartet performed as Zoe walked down the aisle and while the guests enjoyed their reception drinks, they had created pieces of music especially for Zoe and Tom, based around the well loved Disney soundtracks.

Zoe and Tom’s amazing donut cake was made by Where the Ribbon Ends. We’ve been dreaming of donut mountains ever since!

Kelly, Zoe’s sister was the first to make a speech. She told us how Zoe is her person, and without her, she would be so lost. Zoe is fiercely protective and fiery, but turns into a very tactile and friendly drunk! Kelly welcomed Tom, who she described as a true gent, into the family. In keeping with their shared love of Disney, Kelly read out a beautiful compilation of Disney quotes based on love, friendship and happiness which was so fitting.

Zoe’s Dad Tommy took to the microphone and thanked everyone for coming to share his daughter’s special day. Special thanks went to his friend Bobby for coming too. Tommy reveleved the name ‘Zoe’ means ‘Life’, and this couldn’t have been a better fit for his daughter. She is passionate and determinded, and currently studying to become a nurse.

Tom is her rock and he couldn’t have wished for a better son-in-law. Tommy told of a family holiday to Disney and they were stood together watching a performance in front of the castle. It was a spectacular show with fireworks and singing and dancing. Tommy looked across at Tom and saw tears rolling down his cheeks! He knew then that he and Zoe were perfect for each other! Before Tommy had walked Zoe down the aisle, she had handed him a note. ‘Even when you give me away, I will always be your little girl’.

It was soon Tom’s turn to take centre stage and he started by thanking his Parents for giving him a real outdoorsy childhood, and for supporting him through his career choice of setting up a Glamping business. The day was particularly special in Tom’s family, as it was also his Grandparents 56th wedding anniversary, and his 1 year Facebook anniversary with his Grandma! That’s what you call a triple celebration!

He thanked Kelly for the beautiful flowers, he thanked Alison, not only for setting him up with the love of his life, but also for all the make-up and nails, and he thanked Bronte for organizing the amazing PapaKata tent. but the real start of the show was Zoe. She is his soulmate, his best friend and he loved her from the moment he set eyes on her.

Tom’s best man and childhood friend Carl, also asked Tom to be his best man in 2012 so he was now returning the favour! He spoke of their fantastic childhood memories, and reminded us that tractors and narrow bridges don’t mix. If you know you know… He said that while Tom may look stern and miserable, he is actually a determined, strong minded, charismatic and balding man. He knew Tom had found the one in Zoe and as a 6 year veteran of marriage, he had a couple of tips for Tom- If you are going shopping, do not return without a present. And, dogs only work in leui of children for so long. He is expecting his 6th puppy this year…

Zoe, Tom and all of their loved ones had such an incredible time dancing away to music from Carly and the Kicks and having their ‘Glamicatures’ drawn by Ingrid Sylvestre. It was such a beautiful day from start to finish and we are so thrilled we could be a part of it!

We cannot put into words how thankful we are for all of your hospitality, time and support that made our day so special. Jo, Hayley and the Hornington team, from the moment we met you to book the wedding, we felt like we were welcome here at all times and you have always felt part of our family because of your kind and friendly nature. We cannot thank you enough. EVERYTHING was incredible! From the moment we arrived on Friday, you guided us and made us feel relaxed, to leaving on Monday. We wish we could do it all again. All our love, Mr and Mrs Noonan.

We cannot thank you enough for everything you did for us to make our wedding the perfect weekend. The whole venue is an amazing place, we couldn't have asked for anything more. From the minute we came to look around we knew this was our dream venue. We just wish we could get married again to re-live the full experience!

We have had the best weekend here at Hornington Manor. A gorgeous location and superb venue that made our wedding better than we could have ever imagined. A huge thank you to Jo, Hayley and all the Hornington team who were absolutely amazing on the day, looking after us and our guests from dusk till dawn! We hope to get to visit again in the future.

Dear Hornington Manor Team. Thank you so much for such a memorable weekend. The accommodation was absolutely beautiful and so cosy. The wedding day was so perfect, you could really tell how much effort you all put into making it so special. We’ve been trying to think of an excuse to come back to stay al this beautiful place, so who knows? You might see us again! Good luck with all your future weddings and keep up the fantastic work- The Websters

Thank you so much for helping us to have a wonderful wedding weekend. All of our guests were wowed by the beautiful venue-and we appreciate so much all your help with our endless questions in the run up and on the big day. All our love, the new Mr and Mrs Gibson.

Thank you is not enough. This weekend has been so amazing. We have had the greatest time ever. Jenna and Graham have has a fantastic wedding, thank you so much. Everyone has been 'wowed' by the Manor and the friendliness and helpfulness of all the staff. Everything has been 'Spot On'! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

-Andrea, Trevor and Carly

What a wonderful wedding weekend! Months of meticulous planning by Anna and Mark came together perfectly. The sun shone, the bubbles flowed and the love and laughter was very evident, and loud!
A perfect wedding venue- Beautiful house, magnificent views, cute sheep and lambs, even cuter alpacas, friendly and efficient staff. Thank you. Mother of the Bride, Jo Earl.
P.S. Already planning an anniversary event for next year!

Thank you so much for everything you have all done to make this weekend so special for us! We have had endless comments on how amazing the venue is and how lovely you are! We have had the most amazing weekend- we've left some gingerbread for you- enjoy! Love the Rowdens xxx

What a fantastic venue. All of us have had an amazing time. Jo, Hayley and all the Hornington Team have been brilliant!!! From our arrival on Friday until Monday, all of our guests have had a really enjoyable time. Fantastic house, comfortable beds, and would not hesitate to recommend to other friends looking for a wedding venue. Thanks to all who helped make our son's and now daughter-in-law's day so special. Special memories to keep forever.

-Mr and Mrs Noonan

WOW!! What an amazing weekend we have both had! Absolutely unforgettable! WE have made so many memories that are going to last a lifetime! Thank you SO SO SO much, you’ve all been fab and made the whole weekend (from planning the weekend to the big day) so stress free and enjoyable. Hornington Manor is so beautiful, and we got sunshine- woo!! Everyone has been so full of compliments- especially about the mattresses! I can’t believe it’s all over, but we are definitely not going to forget it in a hurry! Love Mr and Mrs Brown

To Jo, Hayley and the rest of the Hornington Team, You have all been beyond unbelievable. On Saturday I didn't have to stress about anything. Everything just slotted into place- I'm still not sure how some of the things actually got sorted as there were things I forgot to mention to anybody! We had the most fantastic day and evening and our guests were taken aback by how amazing Hornington is - everyone kept asking me how I managed to find this place! It is a beautiful place but it would be nothing without the amazing team that runs it. You all made it so easy and I loved planning it from start to finish. It was so special to be able to extend our wedding day across the whole weekend and share it with all the people special to us. Lots of love, Becky and Jamie

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